The myth of the witch in darkness is a fascinating tale that has captivated the imaginations of people for centuries. In this myth, the witch is often portrayed as a sinister figure who practices dark magic and dwells in shadowy places. Her powers are said to be fueled by the darkness, and she is believed to have the ability to cast spells, curse individuals, and even shape-shift into other forms. The myth of the witch in darkness has its roots in ancient folklore and has been passed down through generations, becoming ingrained in our collective consciousness. The concept of the witch in darkness taps into our deep-seated fears of the unknown and the supernatural. Darkness has long been associated with danger, mystery, and evil in many cultures, and the witch embodies these qualities.
I heard John callow speak about Isobel Gowdie at the London Fortean Society's conference on the Haunted Landscape last month. It was a fascinating talk based on one of the chapters from his book, about how a Scottish woman's four confessions to magistrates in 1662 led to various novels, songs and books on folklore. Many of these embellished or changed the scant facts we can find out from historical research and have gone on to influence modern pagan witchcraft practices.
The last chapter in Embracing the Darkness looks at the myths, legend, folklore, fiction and film surrounding Herne the Hunter, including the 1980s TV series Robin of Sherwood - much loved by many modern pagans of that era. James Sharpe draws on legal records and other sources to reveal the interplay between witchcraft beliefs in different partts in the social hierarchy.
Darkness has long been associated with danger, mystery, and evil in many cultures, and the witch embodies these qualities. She represents a force that lurks in the shadows, waiting to ensnare unsuspecting victims. Her powers are often seen as malevolent, and her actions are believed to be motivated by a desire for personal gain or revenge.
Myth of the witch in darkness
At the longest nights of the year, when even the moon is absent from the nocturnal sky, embrace the darkness. Pick up a copy of John Callow's new book and read about tales of witchcraft and persecution, pour over pictures of sorceries past and venture into the wild woods where myths and legends grow.
Embracing the Darkness by John Callow is about witchcraft beliefs as shown in popular culture from Classical times to the 20th century. It is the most interesting book on witchcraft I have read this year. That's is high praise because I also read Ronald Hutton's latest book on witchcraft this year, and that was brilliant.
As the subtitle says, it is a cultural history of witchcraft. It is about the stories, art, poetry, films and other forms of popular media that have influenced and been influenced by beliefs about witchcraft.
I heard John callow speak about Isobel Gowdie at the London Fortean Society's conference on the Haunted Landscape last month. It was a fascinating talk based on one of the chapters from his book, about how a Scottish woman's four confessions to magistrates in 1662 led to various novels, songs and books on folklore. Many of these embellished or changed the scant facts we can find out from historical research and have gone on to influence modern pagan witchcraft practices.
John is giving a lecture based on another chapter at Treadwell's in London in January. The talk is called Urbain Grandier the Witch: History, Literature and Film. It looks at the horrific 1634 witch trial of Loudon's Urbain Grandier, the events surrounding which included multiple public exorcisms of supposedly demon-ridden nuns. The dramatic events attracted generations of writers and film makers including Alexander Dumas, Aldous Huxley, Ken Russell and Derek Jarman.
The last chapter in Embracing the Darkness looks at the myths, legend, folklore, fiction and film surrounding Herne the Hunter, including the 1980s TV series Robin of Sherwood - much loved by many modern pagans of that era.
Publisher IB Tauris says on its website:
From the Salem witch trials to the macabre novels of Dennis Wheatley; from the sadistic persecution of eccentric village women to the seductive sorceresses of TV's Charmed; and from Derek Jarman's punk film Jubilee to Ken Russell's The Devils, John Callow brings the twilight world of the witch, mage and necromancer to vivid and fascinating life. He takes us into a shadowy landscape where, in an age before modern drugs, the onset of sudden illness was readily explained by malevolent spellcasting. And where dark, winding country lanes could terrify by night, as the hoot of an owl or shriek of a fox became the desolate cries of unseen spirits.Witchcraft has profoundly shaped the western imagination, and endures in the forms of modern-day Wicca and paganism. Embracing the Darkness is an enthralling account of this fascinating aspect of the western cultural experience.
What I particularly liked about the book is that it is beautifully written as well as painstakingly researched. John's evocative writing style brings to life each episode from the history of witchcraft as well as giving you the facts. He is also very sympathetic towards modern pagans, showing that fiction really is just as important as fact when dealing with the power of myth, magic and the imagination.
The myth of the witch in darkness has been perpetuated through various forms of media, including literature and film. From the iconic image of the wicked witch in "The Wizard of Oz" to the chilling tales of witches in horror movies, this myth has become deeply ingrained in popular culture. It continues to be a source of fascination and intrigue, captivating audiences with its blend of magic, darkness, and danger. However, it is important to recognize that the myth of the witch in darkness is just that - a myth. Witches, in reality, are not evil beings who harness powers from the darkness. They are individuals who practice witchcraft, which is often associated with healing, spirituality, and empowerment. The stereotype of the witch in darkness is a distortion of these practices, perpetuated by fear and ignorance. The myth of the witch in darkness serves as a reminder of the power of storytelling and the influence of cultural beliefs. It reflects our human tendency to create narratives that help us make sense of the world around us. While the witch in darkness may not exist in reality, her enduring presence in our imaginations speaks to the enduring power of myth and the enduring fascination with the dark and mysterious..
Reviews for "myth of the witch in darkness"
1. Emma - ★★☆☆☆
I was really excited to read "Myth of the witch in darkness" as I love fantasy novels. However, I was quite disappointed with this book. The writing style was dry and lacked any fluidity which made it difficult to stay engaged in the story. Additionally, the characters were one-dimensional and lacked depth, making it hard to connect with them. Overall, I found the plot to be predictable and unoriginal. I had high hopes for this book, but it fell short of my expectations.
2. Mark - ★☆☆☆☆
I found "Myth of the witch in darkness" to be a complete letdown. The story was overly convoluted and confusing, with a jumbled narrative that made it hard to follow. The pacing was incredibly slow, and there were long stretches where nothing of interest was happening. The characters were poorly developed, and their interactions felt forced and unnatural. I struggled to even finish this book, and I wouldn't recommend it to anyone.
3. Sarah - ★★☆☆☆
I had high hopes for "Myth of the witch in darkness" based on the synopsis, but unfortunately, it didn't live up to my expectations. The world-building was lackluster, with little to no description or imagination put into creating a captivating setting. This made it difficult to become fully immersed in the story. The plot felt disjointed and the pacing was inconsistent, making it hard to stay engaged. The ending was also underwhelming and left me feeling unsatisfied. Overall, I found this book to be a disappointment and wouldn't recommend it to fellow fantasy enthusiasts.
4. David - ★★☆☆☆
I found "Myth of the witch in darkness" to be quite underwhelming. The writing style was mediocre and lacked creativity, making it difficult to become invested in the story. The characters were cliché and lacked any unique qualities that would make them memorable. The plot felt predictable and lacked any real surprises or twists. Overall, this book failed to captivate my interest and I wouldn't recommend it to others looking for an engaging fantasy read.